Have you heard about the new scam called "brushing"? It's a tactic that aims to inflate positive reviews and attract real customers.

Latest Update: Scams, Savings, and Student Loans

Recently, I received two Amazon deliveries I never ordered. The first was an envelope containing a kit for coloring hair at home. I figured someone might have gifted it to me since I’d mentioned a new hair product obsession. The second package, however, was a box filled with random items from China, including a multi-device charger and a scratch-off art book for kids. At first, I mistook one item for a dangling air freshener. It turned out to be something else entirely.

Curious about these unexpected deliveries, I searched online for “Received Amazon packages I didn’t order.” I quickly discovered that it's a scam known as “brushing,” which is a twist on the earlier Chinese seed scam that flooded mailboxes with unsolicited seeds. The goal is to create fake reviews by verified buyers to entice real customers. The bigger concern is that this and similar scams might indicate that your personal data has been compromised.

Thanks to the pandemic, scams of various kinds are proliferating. A quick search revealed a rise in phishing, work-from-home scams, online shopping scams, utility scams, and of course, COVID-19 scams. What can you do? Use strong passwords and change them often. A password manager can help. Never share personal info online or over the phone unless you initiated the contact. And freezing your credit is a smart, free step to protect yourself against identity theft. Here are detailed instructions on how to do it.

On the Topic of Savings Rates...

Speaking of my mail, I recently got another alert that the interest rate on my High Yield Savings Account is dropping from 1% to 0.80%. That follows a previous decrease from 1.15% to 1% just a month ago. If you’re a saver, you probably understand my frustration. Many are wondering if there’s a way to earn better returns while keeping their money safe.

A financial expert explored whether High Yield Savings Accounts are still a viable option. The conclusion: Yes. They also looked into High Yield Checking Accounts, which can offer significantly higher interest rates. However, these accounts often have a maximum balance limit for earning the higher rate and require you to use your debit card for purchases a certain number of times each month. These accounts generate income through transaction fees, making them worth considering if you're seeking alternatives.

Clarifying the Student Loan Executive Order...

There’s considerable confusion surrounding the President’s executive order that extends the federal (not private) student loan payment pause. Until January 2021, you won’t need to make payments on federally-backed loans. If you graduated last spring, your six-month grace period will also extend until January 2021. Any payments made during this time will reduce the principal balance more effectively. If you were counting on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, it’s unclear if payments will resume as of September 31, so check with your servicer. If you anticipate difficulty making payments post-January, now’s the time to explore income-based repayment options. For more information, Nerdwallet's breakdown is quite helpful.

On the Subject of Firehook Crackers...

If you haven't tasted them, they've become a staple in my home, especially the garlic and thyme flavor. During a recent grocery run, my husband found them sold out, along with napkins and Starbucks decaf coffee. Some items, like Bounty paper towels and flour for my sourdough baking, were back in stock. The Wall Street Journal explored why certain groceries remain elusive. What are you having trouble finding?